Sable project nearing start-up

Aug. 23, 1999
The Sable Offshore Energy Project (SOEP) off Nova Scotia is rapidly approaching the first-gas milestone, with work on the natural gas development project now 80% complete.

The Sable Offshore Energy Project (SOEP) off Nova Scotia is rapidly approaching the first-gas milestone, with work on the natural gas development project now 80% complete.

The project received a production license in July, and installations are now under way for the Thebaud, North Triumph, and Venture production platforms.

The 2,476-metric ton Venture platform is being delivered to MMIndustra at Dartmouth, N.S., and will be moved by barge to location early in September by the Saipem 7000 heavy-lift semisubmersible. The Saipem 7000 is now lifting and installing the Thebaud central processing platform and wellhead.

SOEP reports the Allseas Solitaire-claimed to be the largest pipelay vessel in the world-has laid more than 50% of the 122 miles of 26-in. subsea pipeline and is scheduled to complete pipelaying by the end of August.

Construction of the Point Tupper fractionation and Goldboro gas plants are both more than 90% complete. And installation of the 8-in. natural gas liquids pipeline and a lateral natural gas line to Cape Breton Island are more than 75% complete and will be finished by the end of August.

SOEP will deliver gas to markets in Atlantic Canada and the U.S. Northeast. Project interests are: Mobil Canada, 50.8%; Shell Canada Ltd., 31.3%; Imperial Oil Resources Ltd., 9%; Nova Scotia Resources Ltd., 8.4%; and Mosbacher Operating Ltd., 0.5%.